San Jose Sharks watch as teammate Dan Boyle is placed onto a stretcher during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013, in St. Louis. Boyle suffered a head injury. The Sharks won 6-2. (AP Photo/Bill Boyce)

2013-10-16 14:14:00

SAN JOSE, Calif. - St. Louis Blues forward Maxim Lapierre has been offered an in-person hearing for his hit that knocked out San Jose defenceman Dan Boyle.

The NHL Department of Player Safety announced Wednesday that Lapierre is suspended pending his hearing. Players have an opportunity for an in-person hearing for any suspension that could exceed five games.

Lapierre was given a game misconduct for hitting Boyle from behind in the first period of San Jose's 6-2 win Wednesday night. Boyle was knocked out on the play and taken off the ice on a stretcher before spending the night at the hospital.

The Sharks say Boyle will return to San Jose later Wednesday for treatment and further evaluation. He will miss at least Thursday's game in Dallas.